Come to the Beaten and the Battered

It is no secret that many of us have faced or are facing challenging times in our lives. We have been beaten and we have been battered by burdensome events that have caused or are still causing us to suffer. However, amidst the struggle, it is important to remember that we are not alone in our toils. Jesus Christ willingly suffered for our sins when he walked amongst us on Earth. He was beaten and battered in more ways than just one, but especially when he was crucified for the sake of our sins. Jesus Christ remained firm in His strength and divinity as the only Son of God throughout this blessed suffering. He carried his cross and gave us a beautiful and ultimate example of love, tenacity, and mercy. Even throughout his beating, there was love. Not only was there love, but there was faith. This human condition of being beaten and being battered can be experienced in so many different ways, and we can’t ignore it as it is the call of God to love each other as we should love ourselves.

Upon reflection of being beaten and battered, I was curious as to what those around me think of when broached with this subject. I asked friends and family around me: What or who comes to mind when you think of the terms: beaten and battered? A few of the things mentioned were: children forced into war, women abused domestically, people abused through bullying, those who work in hard labor, and the hunger being faced in Africa. The list could go on and on. To sum it up I concluded that there are three main ways in which we suffer towards a state of maltreatment: physically, mentally, and spiritually.

There are those of us who face or have faced physical abuse. The sad reality of such events is seen on the news every day. For example, just the other day I read in a newspaper article that 5 children die every day from abuse and neglect. There are also those who are beaten mentally. Such cases can come from many situations in life. One that really seems to pop out, especially in today’s society, is through bullying caused by others, and on many occasions ourselves.

Then, there are the many of us who are beaten spiritually, which I believe is ultimately brought across because of sin. We beat up the spiritual beings we are through the sins we commit. Whatever the reason for our suffering that causes us to become beaten and battered, it is safe to say that there is a demanding need for relief. In these times that we turn feeble and frail, we need to be healed. This longing to be saved and to be given peace is what advent is about. Although we are beaten and battered by life’s hardships, it is in these times where our faith in God should increase, and like Jesus Christ so beautifully demonstrated, we shall not give up on love and faith. In the end, it is a personal choice: Will you follow in God’s footsteps?

Let’s follow the ultimate example of love: the passion of Christ. As we await Christmas during this advent season, we ought to remind ourselves that help is near. If we allow our hearts to love and continue to remain faithful in the coming of a savior, we shall be prepared for when He comes. Jesus will come to the beaten and battered. In preparation for the coming of our savior, I personally invite and encourage you to take the time to remember His strength as he suffered, His trust in God the almighty Father, His mercy towards those who beat Him, his patience for peace, and his example of perseverance in faith and love amongst adversity, pain, and dehumanizing acts.

Rosario T. is a Sophomore Biology Major and active an active member of the Chapel Choir, Hispanic Ministry, Peer Ministry, Tri-Beta, and Alpha Phi Omega.

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About I.Q.

Irene began working with St. Mary's University in August of 2008. She currently serves as the Minister for Faith Formation and Faith Enrichment with University Ministry and as adjunct faculty with the Theology Department. Irene holds a M.A. in Systematic & Philosophical Theology and Ethics & Social Theory. As well as a B.A. in Religious Studies and Philosophy.

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